Bloom Where You Are Planted

Nordstrom Catalog - Feb 2015

I love this notion of blooming where you are planted, in other words there is no geographical excuse for not being who you are in this exact moment. There is also no excuse for not being able to express yourself authentically, in essence wearing what you want.

This notion is a very powerful and empowering one. It disables you from handing away your power to the universe or external circumstances. You may wish to be in another place in your life, geographical or otherwise but really all we have is NOW. Dig into your life as well as your closet and bloom right where you are.  You feel like wearing a cocktail dress to a lunch? DO IT  you think you will be over dressed? SO WHAT. For the purpose of this blog I'm using fashion as part of the metaphor but truly dig your heel's into your life, in this very moment, exactly where you are, as you are. Enjoy the sun on your face and know the grass is greener where you water it, where you are planted, not way over there ...

Need some floral inspiration?

Vintage Floral Gown (available via Evolution Vintage

Pink 'Fawn' Vintage Glass Foil Pimps via SJP Collection (available via Nordstrom with black Grosgrain detail as pictured) or with Nude Grosgrain Detail at Neiman Marcus

Where will you bloom?

Michael Kors Floral-Print Cotton-Voilé Tunic (SALE: $595)

Vintage Floral Dress & Vintage Necklace

Both available via Evolution Vintage

Vintage BoHo Floral Dress, Vintage Hat & Belt

Both Available via Evolution Vintage

Perspective: Life in a Jar

Someone shared this with me recently via Facebook. There have been variations of this story that have been passed around before but I love this one best.  It really puts things into perspective about what is important and hopefully will make you take pause today and look at your priorities.

In the wake of the senseless tragedy in Newtown, CT I have really used my grief for the parents and family of the victims/hero's to think about how much my family and children mean to me and what my priorities are. I have looked beyond  the words of the cliche to 'make every moment count' and have applied it to my actions. We are all so caught up in unessential matters and with insignificant people that those moments wasted could have went to our loved ones, the ones who deserve us to be present the most.

I hope this story brings a little perspective to you today.

"A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll

ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend."

Enjoy your family and friends this and all seasons.

~ L

XO

Myself, My Son Blake, Daughter Kaleigh Rain and Husband David. The loves of my life!

Image: Hayley Marie Photography

A Life Metaphor: Warrior Style

Achaemenid Persian Female Warrior Commander

Tonight during my regular candle light yoga practice the Yogi instructor read a passage from a speech ("Citizenship in a Republic") given in Paris at the Sorbonne in 1910 by Theodore Roosevelt.  It really spoke to me as a metaphor for life and how it is a daily battle ground.  We can get into the arena and give our best; win or loose or we can sit on the side lines as critics and automatic loosers for never even trying.

Think about this as you navigate your day today.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." 

Dare greatly .... See you in the arena

~ L

xo

Song Saturday: Storm of Nails

My Glammer AKA Glam Hammer and an Image of Frida Kahlo

It's ALWAYS something. If I had a penny for every time this statement rang true. Everyone's "storms", "shit", "stuff" comes in different forms and to various degrees but make no mistake it comes .. for EVERYONE. This is one of the reasons music, well good music, holds up a mirror to life and at times in universally applicable.  For instance the track "Storm of Nails" written and performed by Singer/Songwriter Lisa Marie Presley. I love this song because it is a witty verbal reflection and clever metaphor to life. What is it now, again if I had a damn penny ....

I wish life came complete with a forecast. I am equipped with an arsenal of "hammers" that I have gathered and earned over the years but it would be nice to know when to expect the nails.

Thanks again Lisa for putting it all out there and lyrically holding up that mirror in your organic, non contrived way.

I'm ready to throw my stylish hammer down at any moment ... got nails? bring 'em on.

It's been a long highway
Where do I get off and drive away
I'm looking for a sign that should say
When you've had enough, exit this way
If only I were a gopher now 
I'd dig a hole and not come out

[Chorus]
And on the forecast for today
A storm of nails headed your way
Man it’s gonna rain, rain, rain
And on my forehead does it say
Unleash all hounds of hell this way
Bite until she’s lame, lame, lame

Too much on my plate
How much will it take before it breaks
I’m looking for a sign that should say
When you get fed up
Throw it this way
If only I were a cat right now meow
I‘d lick a claw 
And go lay back down

[Chorus]

What is it now, oh you don’t say 
Better get the hammer out today
What is it now, oh you don’t say

[Chorus]

BUY the ALBUM

DOWNLOAD the ALBUM

Hear the song (Studio Version)

Lisa LIVE (Grand Ole Opry)

Thoughtful Thursday: Dance With Life

(Image via Bambi Weavils FB page)

During a recent "music therapy" session I had with my husband I re-discovered my LOVE for the song "Dance with Life (The Brilliant Light)" by Bryan Ferry. I love the lyrics, vibe and overall message. Oh and Yes, I said music therapy. My definition: Cocktails and a full exploration or journey through my iTunes library and CD collection, memory lane walk and wine infused sing-a-long time which is completely FUN and CATHARTIC at the same time. Try it with your spouse or friends. Go song for song in a fabulous musical journey. There is no reason that the therapy session has to be booze infused either but I fear the sober version would be a little scary with my singing voice!


Listen to the track above - I did not make this video but some of the images are BEAUTIFUL!


I LOVE this lyric: "Breathe the sweet fresh air
And make every second your last
And I'll touch you from the world I wake in
Make the most of the present and the past
I need to dance with life"

Back to the point. It made me think about life and our daily grind as a dance, where YOU need to LEAD, not let it lead you. Imagine waking each day and you have a choice of the music (soundtrack), the dance type/style, wardrobe, pace and partner. Your life and how you experience your daily dance is ultimately up to YOU. Let's see; today seems like a Viennese Waltz type day, I'm a little bit slower paced, close in hold with my chosen partner (my fabulous husband David), not sure of the soundtrack yet but perhaps the Bryan Ferry song?
Some people are overwhelmed by life and need to take a breath and maybe use this metaphor, on a day-by-day basis. Ask yourself when you rise to face the day ahead, based on your feelings, energy level and obligations "what will my dance be today?" Freestlye? Argentine Tango? Waltz? Belly Dance? Strip Tease? Solo? Partnered? there are so many different dance types and styles you are bound to find one that metaphorically suits your life. What a fun approach to your daily grind - where you take the LEAD! All of our lives and circumstances differ greatly but I feel the Dance with Life metaphor to be universal.

What will your dance be today? from the ballroom to the boardroom it is ultimately your choice! will you let someone else lead? or will YOU take the lead and leave your brilliant light behind?

Kelly Osbourne & Dace Pro Louis VanAmstel - Dancing with the Stars